No tension over hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure/HBP) is a common condition that affects two out of three individuals over 65 years of age. It is a silent killer as it often has no warning signs and symptoms and can damage the organs years before the actual development of symptoms. Unfortunately, one out of four individuals with HBP does not know that they suffer from it, and sadly, only half the people with HBP have their BP under control. This is likely due to the lack of compliance to the required long-term therapy for a disease, which initially often has no symptoms.

Untreated hypertension can lead to angina, heart attack, stroke, kidney- damage, loss of vision, and even death, the risk parallels the rise in BP. Advancing age is a major risk factor for developing HBP, presence of other co-morbidities such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, being obese, family history of HBP, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle also contribute to HBP.

Making healthy lifestyle changes is an effective way to reduce HBP. Dietary changes with reduced salt intake, regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, reducing stress, no alcohol and tobacco can prevent or delay the development of HBP and also reduce BP in hypertensive individuals. Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and reducing the average amount of salt from 3,400 mg to 2,300 mg (one teaspoon) per day reduces HBP. These changes are effective when used alone, but often have the greatest benefit when used together. Along with healthy lifestyle changes, adherence to the prescribed medicines is the key to keeping HBP in check.

In the western world, life expectancy is increasing on an average of five hours a day or two years in a decade, and globally too, people are living longer. The endeavour should be to adopt healthy lifestyle and lead a healthier extended life.